Corner forward Conan Daye was Wicklow's star act as they shocked Meath in this replay in spring-like conditions at Navan on Saturday.

Wicklow's ability to snatch goals at the expense of a rather lax home defence proved crucial and Daye grabbed two in the opening eight minutes. Wicklow went on to lead by 2-1 to 0-6 at the break.

The third arrived three minutes after the restart when George Murphy fisted to the net. They held out for a deserved victory despite having centre forward Philip McGullicuddy sent off for a second bookable offence eight minutes into the second period.

Daye had a penalty well saved by Meath goalkeeper Cormac Sullivan at the start of the last quarter. Daye made amends with a spectacular point which sealed victory.

Meath's Trevor Giles scored seven points, five of them from frees.

Wicklow: T Murphy; O O'Riordan, E White, M Coffey; B O Hannaigh (0-1), S Miley, B Whelan; D Gordon, D Behan; D Burke, P McGillicuddy, G Murphy (1-0); D McMahon (0- 1), M Murtagh (0-1), C Daye (2-1). Subs: K O'Brien for Burke; S Byrne for O'Riordan; D Coffey for G Murphy.

Meath: C Sullivan; R Rennicks, E McManus, H Traynor; D Kennedy, N Nestor (0-1), K Callaghan; E Grogan, J McDermot; T Giles (0-7), P O'Brien (0-1), N Kearney; R Kealy (0-1), R Fitzsimons, L Reilly (0-1). Subs: R McGee for Kearney; T Dowd for Reilly; D Curtis for Kennedy; J Devine (0-1) for Fitzsimons; G Geraghty for Callaghan.

Referees: E Whelan and F Ward (both Laois).